From 1450-1650, paintings of ‘Christian sibyls’ who foretold the birth of Christ, became important motifs for painting. Here’s a selection.
Ghirlandaio
A gruesome story of two dead lovers which is used to persuade a young woman to be more responsive to her wooing. Painted by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
Painted long after the death of history painting, this shows Botticelli being introduced to the most beautiful woman in northern Italy, in about 1475. Each face is true to life.
The Eclectic Light Company 